• North Allegheny School District School Meal Procedure

    Components of a School Lunch

    A school lunch has five components:

    1. Meat or meat alternatives
    2. Grains
    3. Fruits
    4. Vegetables
    5. Milk or milk alternative

    In order for the lunch to qualify as a reimbursable National School Lunch Program (NSLP) meal, at least three of the five components must be selected, and one of the three items must be a fruit or vegetable. If a fruit or vegetable is not selected, the meal will be charged as an à la carte purchase.

    Students with Food Allergies

    For any student with food allergies, please contact North Allegheny’s Food Service Department at 724‑934-7279. The District will make special accommodations when possible.

    Procedure for Notification of Accounts with a Negative Balance

    When students reach an account balance of -$0.01 or more, low balance notices are sent to parents/guardians via email weekly on Monday. Parents/guardians without an email address on file will receive a letter in the U.S. mail.

    Parents/guardians can replenish their accounts through PaySchools Central or by sending a deposit in an envelope with their child. Student envelopes are available at the registers for account replenishment.

    Procedure for Receiving a School Lunch When the Student’s Account Has a Negative Balance

    Students that reach a $0.00 or negative balance will continue to receive a complete meal of their choice, but will not be able to purchase any items beyond the five components which make up a complete NSLP meal. Students with a negative account balance may not purchase a second meal, second entrée, à la carte items, snacks, or beverages. Elementary students with a negative account balance may purchase a milk.

    Collection Procedure for Accounts with a Negative Balance

    Parents are encouraged to keep funds in their child’s account.

    Parents with hardships can apply for Free and Reduced Meals at any time during the school year. However, this will not negate the charges incurred nor can a Free and Reduced Meal application be back‑dated to address accrued charges.

    The District will attempt to collect on accrued charges through contact with the parents/guardians. The District will work with parents/guardians to set up a payment plan for families that are experiencing difficulties paying for their accrued charges.

    At the end of the student’s senior year, the District requests that any accrued charges be paid in full. The student’s cap and gown for graduation may be withheld until their account has been paid. These situations are reviewed on a case by case basis.